Promises, Promises

Winner of the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award, best-selling author Erica James delivers an enthralling tale of three people daring to change their lives. Dreaming of a life ripped from the pages of a romance novel, Maggie Storm determines to be more assertive. Recovering from seven wasted years, Ella Moore says she'll never again let her heart have rule over her head. And serial philanderer Ethan Edward vows to stop his womanizing ways.

The Song of the Skylark

Lizzie has always had bad luck. Losing her heart to her boss leads to her losing her job, and with no money in the bank Lizzie finds herself forced to move back home with her parents. Now in her 90s, Mrs Dallimore is also coming to terms with her situation. Old age is finally catching up with her. As they form the bond of unexpected friendship, Lizzie begins to realise that she's not the only person to attract bad luck and that sometimes life has a way of surprising you....

The Queen of New Beginnings

Clayton Miller's life is a mess. His career as one of the country's best comedy script writers has stalled and his long term girlfriend has left him for his ex best friend and ex writing partner. Just when he thinks his life couldn't get any worse, he commits a spectacularly public fall from grace and with the press hounding him, his agent banishes him to the middle of nowhere until the dust has settled.

The Hidden Cottage

We all hide things, some more than others...Mia Channing appears to have an enviable life: a beautiful home in the village of Little Pelham, a happy, stable marriage, a job she enjoys and three grown up children to whom she's devoted. But appearances are deceiving; the truth is that it's all a precarious balancing act. When the family gather for her son's thirtieth birthday, Daisy, her youngest daughter, drops a bombshell in the way only Daisy can.

Hidden Talents

Dulcie Ballantyne knows that creative writers' groups attract an unlikely bunch of people, so when she starts up Hidden Talents, she is well prepared for the assortment of people she is bringing together. But what they all have in common is a need to escape, as well as a desire to keep their lives as private as possible - even Dulcie, who at the age of 63 has been having an affair with a married man for three years. As they grow more confident in their writing skills, friendships develop and gradually they come to realise that a little openness isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Paradise House

Angel Sands is an old-fashioned seaside resort of bed and breakfasts, cottages to let, and teashops. And with the best views of the tiny beach is Paradise House, home to the Baxter girls. With their mother taking time out to find herself, it's down to them to maintain the smooth running of the family-owned bed and breakfast. Not an easy task given that their father - now that his wife isn't around - has suddenly become a moving target for the opposite sex....

Act of Faith

Impetuous Ali Anderson has always been a loose cannon. While she's still trying to come to terms with the death of her baby son and subsequent divorce from Elliot, she takes it upon herself to play God with her best friend's incomprehensible marriage. Ali's meddling has disastrous consequences. Finding herself cut off from those she loves, she comes to realise that a little forgiveness goes a long way...

The Real Katie Lavendar

At 30, Katie Lavender thinks she is better than most when it comes to dealing with life's surprises. But when she gets a request to visit a solicitor, she's not expecting the dramatic turn her life is about to take. There, she receives a letter from her deceased mother that literally changes everything she ever knew about herself...

It's the Little Things

Dan and Sally Oliver and their friend Chloe Hennessey are lucky to be alive. Three years on, after surviving one of the world's biggest natural disasters - the Boxing Day tsunami - their lives have changed dramatically. Dan and Sally are now parents. Dan is enjoying being a stay-at-home father taking care of their young son, and Sally is the bread winner and loves her job as a partner in a Manchester law firm.

Love and Devotion

At the age of thirty two, Harriet Swift thinks she has the perfect life - a satisfying career, her own flat and a new boyfriend who respects her need for her own space. But when tragedy strikes and her only sister is killed in a car crash, Harriet is forced to give up her well-ordered life and to help her parents look after her orphaned niece and nephew. Moving back to her childhood home and sacrificing so much doesn't come easy and before long Harriet discovers things about her family she never believed possible...

The Dandelion Years

Ashcombe was the most beautiful house Saskia had ever seen as a little girl, providing a perfect sanctuary to hide from the tragedy which shattered her childhood. Now an adult, Saskia is still living at Ashcombe and, as a book restorer ,devotes her days tending to broken, battered books. When she discovers a notebook carefully concealed in an old Bible, Saskia finds herself drawn into a heart-rending tale of wartime love....

Gardens of Delight

The Gardens of Delight brochure promises the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful gardens in Italy. For Lucy, the chance to go to Italy offers more than just gardens. Helen and her wealthy husband have just moved into the Old Rectory. With her husband spending so much time away from home, Helen throws herself into caring for the garden. But Helen needs help. Conrad isn't the least bit interested in gardening.

Kiss

A delicious romantic comedy by the best-selling author of The One You Really Want and Three Amazing Things About You about finding love again when you think you've lost it all.... When Izzy is knocked off her motorbike, she doesn't just lose her dignity - she loses as a result not one but two long-term boyfriends, her job and, to boot, her extremely bijou flat. Gina, who caused the accident, has more important things to worry about - her husband's mistress is pregnant, and she's suddenly on her own.

Summer at the Lake

A fateful car crash sets in motions a series of events for Floriana, Esme. Floriana gathers the courage to attend the wedding of her one true love, and Esme journeys with her to Lake Como to find the man who stole her heart many years ago. It's time for Esme and Floriana to face the past - and the future - on the shore of the most romantic and enchanting of lakes.

Falling for You

Maddy Harvey was a bit of an ugly duckling as a teenager, what with her NHS specs, unfortunate hair and wonky teeth. Thankfully she's blossomed since then. But when she meets Kerr McKinnon one starry summer's night and discovers, days later, who he actually is...well, that's when the problems really start. Because everyone in Ashcombe knows what happened 11 years ago, and as far as her mother's concerned, Marcella would rather tear that family to pieces with her bare hands than see Maddy associate with a McKinnon.

Late Summer in the Vineyard

Working for a winemaker in France is the opportunity of a lifetime for Emmy. Even if she doesn't know a thing about wine beyond what's on offer at the local supermarket. There's plenty to get to grips with in the rustic town of Petit Frère. Emmy's new work friends need more than a little winning over. Then there's her infuriatingly brash tutor, Isaac, and the enigmatic Madame Beaumont tucked away in her vineyard of secrets. But Emmy will soon realise that in life - just as in winemaking - the best things happen when you let go and trust your instincts.

How to Find Love in a Book Shop

Nightingale Books, nestled on the high street in the idyllic Cotswold town of Peasebrook, is a dream come true for booklovers. But owner Emilia Nightingale is struggling to keep the shop open. The temptation to sell up is proving enormous - but what about the promise she made to her father? Not to mention the loyalty she owes to her customers.

Between Sisters

Cassie has spent her married life doing everything right - making sure her children have the perfect life and being a devoted wife to her husband and a dutiful daughter-in-law to his mother, even when her patience has been tested. Although it has left her so exhausted that 'wine o'clock' comes a little earlier each afternoon. But she wouldn't change a thing, she's certain, until temptation comes her way.... Her sister, Coco, runs a vintage dress shop and sure, she's shied away from commitment over the years.

Tremarnock

Tremarnock is a classic Cornish seaside village where Liz has found sanctuary for herself and her young daughter, Rosie. From early in the morning with her job as a cleaner till late at night waitressing in the restaurant, Liz works all the hours God sends to provide for them both. But trouble is waiting just around the corner. As with all villages, there are tensions, secrets - and ambitions.

Girl on the Run

Abby Rogers has been on health kicks before - they involve eating one blueberry muffin for breakfast instead of two. When Abby is encouraged to join her sporty best friend's running club - by none other than its gorgeous new captain - she finds a mysterious compulsion to exercise. Then her colleague, Heidi, turns up at work and makes a devastating announcement, one that will change her life - and Abby's - forever.

Christmas at Lilac Cottage: White Cliff Bay, Volume 1

Penny Meadows loves her home - a cozy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.

The One You Really Want

When Nancy spies her Christmas present from her husband sitting on the lawn, she realises the jewellery she thought was for her must be on someone else. Her best friend, Carmen, isn't surprised (she never liked Jonathan) and persuades Nancy to leave Edinburgh and come and stay in her luxury London flat - far too vast for Carmen since her husband, millionaire rock star Spike Todd, died. Soon Nancy's met gorgeous Connor O'Shea, who lives next door, and his daughter, Mia, is matchmaking.

The Secret of Happy Ever After

When story-lover Anna takes over Longhampton's bookshop, it's her dream come true. And not just because it gets her away from her three rowdy stepchildren and their hyperactive dalmatian. Unpacking boxes filled with childhood classics, Anna can't shake the feeling that maybe her own fairy-tale ending isn't all that she'd hoped for.

The Olive Tree

It has been 24 years since a young Helena spent a magical holiday in Cyprus, where she fell in love for the first time. When the now crumbling house, Pandora, is left to her by her godfather, she returns to spend the summer there with her family. At the difficult age of 13, her son, Alex, is torn between protecting his mother and learning the truth about his real father. Both Helena and Alex know that life will never be the same once Pandora's secrets have been revealed.

Publisher's Summary

Having married once for love and been abandoned by her husband, Ellen is determined that her second marriage will be for money. And conveniently Duncan, her divorce lawyer, is not unattractive - and he's enticingly single. But when she meets painter Matthew, Ellen has to remind herself very strongly indeed that Duncan is the man for her....

What did you like best about Airs and Graces? What did you like least?

I enjoyed the character Hermione best. She made me smile and laugh. What I liked least about the story is that most of the characters are forgettable.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting aspect of this story was (again) Hermione. She was clever, humorous, thoughtful, admittedly selfish at times, but lovingly warm, caring and nurturing. This was evident in those who surrounded her and practically every character did. The least interesting aspect of the story was that the main character never developed a strong sense of who she was or what she wanted in life. She literally wavered the entire story (even at the conclusion).

Did Charlotte Strevens do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

The narrator did a good job. Each character had their own distinct voice.

Could you see Airs and Graces being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I suppose it could be, but I would not be a viewer as the characters are not memorable. (With the exception of Hermione and Bernie. Bonkers and Suzi were a nice side story too. Nothing to make a tv series or movie about, but a nice distraction.) See additional comments.

Any additional comments?

I would have enjoyed the story more if the characters had something that was bold about them. For example, Hermione was memorable. She was strong, knowledgable and fierce in her own way. If Hermione were removed from the story, the book would fall apart. Both Duncan and Matthew could come and go and nothing about the story would change. Duncan was not portrayed as desirable or even wanted, but needed. Matthew seemed to be thrown in as a distraction for Ellen or the go-to guy if things didn't work out. And I honestly believe Simon was an afterthought. And the main character? Weak the entire story even though she had everything to be strong, a nice cottage, a business, good head on her shoulders, yet she was "type cast" as weak and needy.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fran Foster

Georgia

05/08/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great Story, Horrible Narration"

What did you like best about Airs and Graces? What did you like least?

Best: the interaction among characters; least: the narrator.

Would you ever listen to anything by Erica James again?

Yes, but only if it is read by another narrator.

Would you be willing to try another one of Charlotte Strevens’s performances?

No !!

Do you think Airs and Graces needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not necessarily - the author apparently didn't "feel" a follow-up as she finished this one neatly, not leaving any characters "cliff-hanging."

Any additional comments?

This narrator made the principal character, Ellen - who is described as young, beautiful, etc., sound as if she and her elderly friend Hermione were the same age - which is strange inasmuch as she did well with the other younger characters, i.e., Jojo, Simon, Suzie.

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